On July 15, 1961 a thirty year old from New York City named William Fitzgerald made his descent over the falls in a contraption much like Jean Lussier’s ball.
FitzGerald constructed a huge 1200 pound ball, more then six feet in diameter with a 16 gauge steel frame. Inflated cushions were also wedged inside to add buoyancy.
With little fanfare he slipped into the rapids above the falls on the morning of July 15th, 1961. His ball, which came to be known as the “Plunge-O-Sphere made its journey successfully over the falls.
William Fitzgerald survived his date with death only to be promptly arrested and charged under the Niagara Parks Act for performing a stunt without the permission of the Niagara Parks Commission. His fine was $100.00.
